Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the India T20I squad has generated considerable buzz, with many expecting the teenage star to make his international debut in the series opener against Ireland. However, the team management chose to stick with their World Cup-winning starting combination Sanzhou Samson swear Abhishek Sharmaleaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin supported the decision and urged fans to be patient with the youngster’s development rather than rushing him into the playing squad. Ashwin said there is immense value in learning from the sidelines before stepping onto the international stage.Meanwhile, India suffered a disappointing start to the series under new captain Shreyas Iyerlost to Ireland for the first time in T20I history. This is also India’s first T20I match since lifting the T20 World Cup. As the Men in Blue look to bounce back in the second T20I, Ashwin shared his thoughts on why Sooryavanshi should continue to bide his time.Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat:“Please think about this match with some wisdom. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have started the match together and Sanju has played very well in the World Cup. If you put one of the substitutes against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what’s the point of calling it a team match?”“I know we all want to watch Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play. We are all fans and he is a great entertainer. But at any cost. There is value in sitting outside and watching the game. Let him serve the team, help, even deliver water. There is a lot to be learned from this experience. A great player does not become a great player overnight. But if he spends some time outside of the starting lineup first, he’ll gain empathy and a better understanding of the team’s environment. He has a long and illustrious career ahead of him. Sitting outside is also a role,” Ashwin added.
Ireland beat T20 world champions India by 34 runs
Ireland created history by defeating India for the first time in T20I cricket, defeating the defending T20 World Cup champions by 34 runs in the first T20I in Belfast.When asked to bat first, Ireland recovered from 36/3 to post a competitive 182/9 thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker’s half-century and Gareth Delany’s explosive 49. Harshit Rana was India’s standout bowler with figures of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took two wickets each.In reply, India got off to a flying start with Abhishek Sharma scoring a 20-ball 50, but after his dismissal, the visitors’ batting dropped sharply. Matt Hollard (3/28) and Matthew Humphreys (3 wickets) starred with the ball as India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs. Ireland debutant Jai Moondra also made an immediate impact, dismissing Sanju Samson with his first ball in international cricket.
